Directional well drilling tool



Apnl 16, 1940. T. c. STRENGTH DIRECTIONAL WELL DRILLING TOOL.

2 heats-Sheet 1 Fed Oct. 17, 1958 f////V///mW//////// c gc:

April 16, 1940. T. c. STRENGTH .2,197,227

DIRECTIQNAL WELL DRILLING TOOL Filed Oct. 17, 1938 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented pr. 16, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,197,227 DmEo'rroNAL WELL immune Tool.

Thomas C. Strength, Long Beach, Calif. Application October 17, 1938, Serial No. 235,312

17 Claims.

This invention relates to the art of well drilling and relates more particularly to controlled directional well drilling devices. A generalfobject of this invention is to provide a simple, practical and dependable deflecting drilling tool.

Well drilling tools have been introduced having diverting or deiiecting means capable of deiiecting the bit from the longitudinal axis of the drilling string and well bore for the purpose of drilling the well toward certain earth formations or away from certain earth formations, 'Ihese prior directional drilling toolshave proved to be of little value because it is not practical to discloses a directional drilling tool of the character just referred to.

An important object of this invention is to provide a well drilling tool having means for deecting the drilling bit and means for accurately orienting the tool to have the deflected 25 bit drill in the selected direction.

Another object of this invention is to provide a drilling tool of the character mentioned embodyingl an effective deflecting vmeans that is easily set or actuated and that may be easily and quickly released and then reactuated in the event that it is found necessary to orient or change the position of the deiiecting means.

Another object of this invention is to provide a directional drilling tool of the character mentioned embodying or employing a surveying tool and having effective means for accurately positioning the surveying tool in a given relation to the deiiecting means whereby the record or indication produced by the surveying tool fully and 40 accurately reflects or indicates the rotative or compass position of the deilecting means, the inclination of the bit, etc.

Another object of this invention is-to provide an orientatable directional drilling tool of the '45 character referred to in which the deliecting accurately determine the position ofl the bit at one side only to obtain or produce a maximum deflection of the bit.

Another object of this invention is to provide a tool of the character mentioned embodying a novel and particularly eiective means for 5 coupling the bit with the drilling string to provide for or permit deflection of the bit and -yet preserve full circulation to the bit.

A further object of this invention is to provide a directional drilling tool of the character mentioned that is simple and easy to control and operate.

The various objects and features of my invention will be fully understood froml the following detailed description of a typical preferred w form and application of the invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the tool provided by this invention in position in a well, showing the delecting means retracted and showing the surveying tool in its operative position. Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical detailed sectional view of the upper portion of the tool illustrating the deilecting means in` its actuated or expanded state. Fig. 3 is an enlarged vertical Adetailed sectional view of the bit showing -a portion of the surveying tool in position therein. Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical detailed sectional view illustrating the means for denitely locating the surveying tool in the bit. Figs. 5, 6 and '7 are enlarged transverse detailed sectional views taken as indicated by lines 5--5, v 6-6 and 'I-l, respectively, on Fig. 2. Fig. 8 is an enlarged transverse detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 8--8 on Fig. 1. Fig. 9 is an enlarged longitudinal detailed sectional view of, 'the surveying tool showing'the internal cartridge in elevation and Fig. 10 is an enlarged longitudinal detailed sectional view 'of the car- 40 tridge showing the mechanism contained therein.

The drilling apparatus or tool of the present invention may be said to comprise, generally, a bit I0. carried on a stem II, means I2 connecting the stem II with the drilling string S for 45 longitudinal and angular movement with respect thereto, deiiecting means I8 associated with the string S and means I2, a surveying tool I 4 and means I5 for orienting the surveying tool I4 in the bit Ill whereby the device may be oriented to obtain deflection of the bit in the desired direction.

The bit I0 incorporated in the directional drilling apparatus may be any selected type or form of well drilling bit that is adapted to receive the drilling bit I0.

or pass a surveying tool of the single shot type. In the drawings the bit IIII is in the form of a typical sh-tail bit, it being understood that other forms of drill bits may be employed if desired. 'Ihe bit I 0 has a central vertical opening I6 for handling the circulation fluid and for admitting or passing the surveying tool I4. I have illustrated a threaded socket I1 in the upper end of the bit I0 receiving the pinof a sub or tool joint section I8. The stem II is a tubular member or structure extending upwardly from The lower end of the stem II may be connected with a bit sub or tool joint section |89. In practice the stem H may be formed of one or more lengths of drill pipe which may be limber to ex during drilling with the deflected bit III. A tool joint section 20 may be provided on the upper end of the stem II.

The means I2 connecting the stem I I with the lower end of the drilling string S is in the nature of a universal joint that allows limited angular or universal movement and relative longitudinal movement between the stem I I and the string S. The coupling means I2 includes an elongate upper section or mandrel 2| connected with the drilling strings and a tubular lower section 22 connected with the bit stem I I and receiving the mandrel 2|. The mandrel 21| may have its upper end threaded in a suitable sub 23 on the lower end of the string S. The upper portion of the mandrel 2| carries the deecting means I3 and is preferably cylindrical or round in transverse cross section. The lower portion of the mandrel 2| enters the section 22 and is at sided or polygonal in transverse cross section. A head 24 is secured to the lower end of the mandrel 2| The head 24 has a partially spherical or convex lower face and its outer surface slopes downwardly and inwardly. 'Ihe head 24 has substantial clearance with the internal wall of the section 22. A central longitudinal opening 25 extends through the mandrel 2| from one end to the other and is provided to handle the circulation iluid and to pass the surveying tool I4.

The tubular lower section 22 of the coupling" means I2 receives the polygonal lower portion of the mandrel 2| and has a packing means for sealing about the mandrel. A nut 26 is threaded in the upper portion of the section 22 and an ex.- pansible sealing ring 21 bears upwardly against the nut 26 to seal about the mandrel 2|. The opening in the nut 26 is cylindrical and is proportioned to pass the polygonal portion of the mandrel 2| with substantial clearance. An interna] ange 28 is provided on the section 22 below the sealing ring 21 and is adapted to cooperate with the polygonal portion of the mandrel 2| to provide for the transmission of rotation between the mandrel and the section 22. The internal surface of the Iiiange 28 is shaped to conform to the polygonal portion of the mandrel 2| and has some clearance with the mandrel. The opening through the tubular section 22 receives the mandrel 2| and its head 24 with substantial clearance to allow for the desired angular movement between the mandrel and the section.

A member 29 is threadedly connected with the tool joint section 2U on the upper end of the bit stem II and extends upwardly into the lower portion of the tubular section 22. The member 29 has a polygonal part 30 and a tubular nut 3| is threaded in the lower end of the section 22 to cooperate with the polygonal part 30. The

nut 3| has a polygonal opening whose walls cooperate with the surfaces of the polygonal part 30 to transmit the turning forces from the section 22 to the stem II. The walls of the polygonal opening in the nut 3l have clearance with the part 30 and slope downwardly and outwardly to permit angular or universal movement be-` tween the section 22 and the member 29. A shoulder 32 is provided on the member 29 and an expansible sealing ring 33 bears downwardly against the shoulder 32. The ring 33 is adapted to seal between the member 29 and the internal surface of the section 22. A head 34 is provided on the upper end of the member 29 and a concave seat 35 is formed in the head 34 to receive the lower portion of the above described head 24. The wall of the seat 35'is shaped to seal with the surface of the head 24 and the head 24 is adapted to bear against the seat for the transmission of weight or downward forces from the mandrel 2| to the bit stem II, the head 24 and seat 35 forming a fluid directing ball and socket connection or assembly. An opening 36 is provided in the member 29 to handle the circulation fluid and to pass the surveying tool I4. During the drilling operations the head 24 bears in the seat 35 of the head 34 for the transmission of the downward force or weight from the string S to the stem II and the cooperation of the head 24 with the seat 35 seals off between the heads 24 and 34 to prevent the leakage of fluid from the registering passages or openings 25 and 36. The packing rings 21 and 33 prevent the loss and leakage of fluid under pressure that may leak from the cooperating head 24 and seat 35. In Fig. 2 of the drawings the parts are shown in the contracted or acuated positions where the head 24 bears in the seat 35. The mandrel 2| is shiftable through the ange 28 and the nut 26 and is movable to an up or extended position where the head 24 is above the head 34. It will be seen that the connecting means I2 just described transmits rotation, provl'des for relative angular or universal movement between the string S and the bit stem II and permits relative longitudinal movement between the string S and the stem I I.

The deecting means I3 is engageable with the wall of the Well W to provide for the deflection of the bit III from the former or original course of the well. The means I3 is preferably, though not necessarily, associated with the coupling means I2 and is above the universal connection between the mandrel 2| and the member 29. In the preferred form of the invention illustrated in the drawings the means I3 includes a sleeve 31 surrounding the upper portion of the mandrel 2|. The sleeve 31 is rotatably supported on the mandrel 2| by upper and lower bearings 38 and 39, respectively. The bearing 38 is adapted to engage upwardly against the lower end of the sub 23 and the bearing 39 engages against a.

flange 40 on the mandrel 2|. The bearings 3B and 39 are in the nature of anti-friction bearings and operate to support the sleeve 31 against axial thrusts as well as radial thrusts.

In accordance with the broader aspects of the invention the deflecting means I3 may be in the nature of a whipstock means or any other suitable form of deecting means. In the drawings the dei'lecting means I3a of the type described and claimed in my co-pending application hereinafter referred to, it being understood that the invention is not to be construed as limited to this formof deecting means.

The deilecting means I3 illustrated includes a wedge element 4I secured to the sleeve 31 and ably a wensurveyingftool ofthe single'gnt'iss. The tool-1111s" 'adapted t be or'f'dropped a wedge element or slip 42 shiftable on the element 4'I and engageable with ythe wall of the well W. 'I'he wedge element 4I is preferably secured to the lower portion of the sleeve 31. 'I'he wedge element 4| has a dove-tailed tongue 43 fitting a correspondingly shaped groove 44 in the sleeve 31. The lower end of the wedge element 4I engages downwardly against the bearing 39 and a lock screw 45 is provided on the sleeve 31 at the upper end of the element to hold the element in place. 'Ihe outer side of the element 4I slopes downwardly and inwardly relative to the longitudinal axis of the tool.

The slip 42 has a downwardly and inwardly inclined inner surface cooperating with the sloping face of' the element 4I and has vertical teeth l4Ii on its outer side for biting into the wall of the well W to prevent turning or rotation of the deiiecting means I3. A sliding dove-tailed tongue and groove connection 41 is provided between the wedge element 4| and the slip 42 to provide for relative vertical movement between the element and slip. A tail 48 is provided on the lower end of the slip 42 and carries an inwardly projecting yoke 49. The yoke 49 projects inwardly to engage, about the mandrel 2| with clearance and an anti-friction thrust bearing 50 is provided on the nut 26 to cooperate with the under side of the yoke 49. The engagement of the yoke 49 with the bearing 50 is operable to hold the slip 42 against downward movement when the string S is moved downwardly to actuate the deflecting means I3 as will be subsequently described. When the means I3 is expanded or actuated the slip 42 contacts or bears against the wall of the well W to move the mandrel 2| and adjacent parts of the apparatus to a position out oi' alignment with the longitudinal axis of the well and thus provide for the deection of the bit I0.

In accordance with the invention means is provided for holding the deflecting means I3 in a given or non-rotative position relative to the string S and |bit I 0 prior to and during operation of the surveying tool I4 so that the record or reading of the tool I4 gives the position of the deecting means I3. 'I'he means for releasably holding the deecting means I3 in a given rotative position relative to the string S and the bit I 0 includes a latch 5I supported by a horizontalpivot pin`52 on the tail 46. The latch 5I is preferably received in a suitable recess in the tail 48 of the slip 42. The latch 5I depends from the tail 48 andhas an inwardly projecting finger 53 adapted to engage in a notch 54 in' the section 22. A leaf spring 55a carried by the tail. 4'3 yieldingly'holds the latch 5I inwardly so that its iinger 53engages in the notch 54 when the deflect ing means I3 isL in theretracted-position. The Y engagement-of the .finger 53 in'the notch 454 re-v` 'tains the means I3 in a known-.rotative position: i

relative tolthe string- S,y bit I 0:- stem `I-I,.f.etc.',fso that it maybe turned or orientedfin the well by means -ofv'lthe-string S. The latch nger 53'rfisi- 651 free `to` move .radiallyl out-.ofA th'e'notch 154 when themeans I 3 is actuatedif 1 f The deecting-means" I3-just described-is fully :described and claimed`yin myf co-pending. application,v Ser. yTini. 235.311:l entitled Deflectingdeviceffor well drilling tools. :ii

indicate or record :the

through the drilling string S to a position where it is within or protrudes from the bit I0. 'I'he tool I4 includes an elongate, hollow body 55 proportioned to move or fall through the opening in the string S, the openings 25 and 36, the opening The body 55 contains a.

cartridge 56 it being apparent that any of the well known direction and inclination recording mechanisms may be employed.

In the particular case illustrated in the drawings the recording mechanism of the instrument I4 includes an electric battery 58, a clock works 59 controlling a contact mechanism 69 which in turn governs the circuit of an electric lamp 6I. The lamp 6| is adapted to illuminate a compass device 62 and a fixed arrow 63 to recorduthe images of the compass device and arrow on aensitized record 64. -The arrowv63 may be in the nature of a hair line thickened at one end or provided at one end with a ball 63. In practice the arrow 63 extends diametrically across the interior of the cartridge 56. In accordance with the invention the line or arrow 63 is in a known or given rotative position in the cartridge 56. The cartridge 56 in turn is in a given and known rotative position in the body 55. A key and slot connection may serve to maintain the cartridge 56 in the given rotative position lin the body 55. This connection may comprise a key I9 on the cartridge 56` cooperating with a groove or slot 56B in the wall of the body 55. The cartridge 56 or the body 55, or both, are ,preferably formed y o`f non-magnetic material so that the compass means 62 is unaffected by them and by the surrounding earth formation. g

The clock works 59 is such that the lamp 6I is energized momentarily a predetermined period after the lowering or dropping of the tool I4 into the well and energization yof theA lamp 6I results in the recordation of the positions of the compass to lower the surveying tool I4 through the string S; and to remove the tool I54 from the string.

the surveying"tool'l 4' in a given or ,knownrotaand, the'v d'ecupg means@ la j are in giy'eijrA and' @Mii iiD-"Li wardlygfacing internal seatcorqshoulder A69.,` Th

opposite and their pitched walls merge together. The means I further includes a downwardly facing shoulder 12 on the head 66 of the sur- ,veying tool I4. The shoulder 12 has a depression 13 for receiving the peak 1I and a peak 14 for fitting the depression 10. The surfaces or walls of the depression 13 and peak 14 slope sharply and merge one with the other. The inclination of the surfaces of the depression 10, peak 1I, depression 13 and peak 14 is such that the peaks and depressions automatically mesh or move into mating engagement under the action of the weight of the tool when the tool I4 lands in the joint section I8. The shoulder 69 of course bears a given rotative relation to the deecting means I3. For e'xample, its peak 1I may be 90 from the central vertical plane of the deecting means I3 and the shoulder 12 bears a given relation to the line or arrow 63, for example, it may be 90 from the rotative position of the arrow. Accordingly, when the shoulder 12 is in its final position on the shoulder 69 the line or arrow 63 is in a given and known relation orA rotative position with respect to the central vertical axis of the deflection means I3. The above described relationship is such that an observation of the record 64, showing the relative positions of the arrow 63 and the compass device 62, indicates or shows the rotative position or the compass position of the deecting means I3 in the well W.

In the use or operation of the apparatus provided by this invention the drilling tool is secured to the lower end of the string S and is lowered into the well. The tool is lowered to a position where its bit I0 is some distance above the bottom of the well. In lowering the drilling equipment into the well W it may be preferred to attempt to orient the deflecting means I3 to assume the desired position in the well using the orienting methods known to those skilled in the art. When the drilling tool has reached the selected position the surveying tool I4 is lowered or dropped down in the string S on the line L. The tool I4 lands in the joint section I8, that is, the shoulder 1 2 engages against the shoulder 69 to stop the downward travel of the instrument I4 and to support the instrument. As described above, the shoulders 69 and 12 are such that the instrument I4 automatically assumes the position where the peak 14 is received in the depression and the peak 1I is received in the depression 13. This meshing or mating of the peaks and depressions holds and supports the tool I4 in a known and given rotative position with respect to the other elements of the apparatus. As illustratedin Fig. l of thev drawings the surveying tool I4 may extend some distance downwardly beyond the bit III when landed. It is to be understood that the deflecting means I3 is unactuated or in its normal position when the surveying tool I4 is operated. The latch finger 53 cooperating with the notch 54 holds the deiiectingmeans I3 in a given rotative position and, therefore, in a known rotative position with respect to the arrow 63, assuming the tool I4 to be landed as above described. The clockworks 53 provides for the energization of the lamp 6I a given period after the lowering or dropping of the surveying instrument through the string S. When the lamp 6I is energized the images of the line 63 and the compass device 62 are recorded on the record 64.

When it is known that the surveying instrument I4 has operated to produce the record the instrument I4 is withdrawn from the string S on the line L and the record 64 is examined. This examination of the record 64 discloses the relationship between the arrow 63 and the compass device 62 at the time of exposing the record 64. As above described, the line 63 is aligned with or bears a given relationship to the deflecting means I3 when the record is made and the relationship between the images of the arrow 63 and the compass device 62 on the record 64 therefore indicates the rotative or compass position of the deecting means I3. In the event that the record 64 shows that the deecting means I3 is in an incorrect position the string S may be turned to move the defiecting means I3 to the desired position. The tool I4 may again be dropped or lowered through the string S to make a record 64, as above described, and this second record may be examined to determine if the means I3 has been moved to the correct position. The above operations may, if necessary, be repeated until the means I3 is brought to the correct position.

When the record 64 indicates that the deflecting means I3 is in the correct and desired position the string S may be lowered until the bit I0 engages the bottom of the well and the downward movement of the string S may be continued until the head 24 engages the seat 35. During downward movement of the mandrel 2I with respect to the section 22 the wedge element 4I slides down on the slip 42 to expand the slip against the wall of the well W. The engagement of the yoke 49 with 'the bearing 50 holds the slip 42 against downward movement during actuation of the slip against the wall of the well. The engagement of the slip 42 with the wall of the well W operates to move the drilling device to a position where it is oil center in the well. Accordingly, when drilling is started the bit I0 is deilected and made to follow a course deviating from the former path of the well. The coupling means I2 is such that the stem II and the bit I0 may assume an angular position with respect to the string S and the stem I I may flex to aid this action.

The directional drilling tool of the present invention is such that the drilling bit I0 may be oriented to drill in the proper or selected direction, that is, the bit I0 may be oriented and directed to take the selected deflected course. The tool is simple and easy to operate and control and is inexpensive to manufacture.

Having described only a typical preferred form and application of my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specic details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any variations or modifications that may appear to those skilled in the art or fall within the scope of the following claims.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. A well tool for use in conjunction with a tubular well string comprising a bit connected with the string, deflecting means connected in the string to be above the bit operable to engage the side wall of the well bore to deflect the bit, and a surveying tool adapted to be run through the string to the bit and operable to record the rotative position of the defiecting means.

2. A well tool for use on a well string including a drilling bit connected with the string, deecting "dass avenants @esiti nicmar string to the bit, and means at the bit for supporting the surveying tool in a known rotative position with respect to the deflecting means, the surveying tool being operable to record its rota- Ytive position and therefore the rotative position a surveying tool adapted to be run through the string to thebit, the surveying tool being operable to make a record oi' its rotative position, and means removably supporting the surveying tool at the bit in a given rotative position with respect to the deflecting means whereby said record indicates the position of the denecting means.

4. A directional well tool for use on a tubular well string including a drilling bit, deflecting means connected with the string above the bit and operable to engage laterally against a side wall of the well to deflect the bit, universal coupling means connecting the bit and denecting means, a removable surveying tool adapted to be run through the string to the bit and operable to make a record of its rotative position, and means locating the surveying tool at the bit in a given rotative position with respect to the deilecting means whereby said record indicates the position of the deilecting means.

5. A directional well tool for use on a rotary well drilling string comprising a bit connected with the string, deilecting means secured to the string and located above the bit operable to engage laterally against the wall of the well to t deflect the bit, a removable surveying tool to be run through the string to the bit and operable to make a record of the rotative position ofthe surveying tool, and cooperable parts secured to the bit and surveying tool acting to locate the surveying tool in a given rotative position relative to the delecting means whereby said record i indicates the rotative position of the detiecting means in the well. y s

6. A directional well drilling tool for use on a rotary well drilling string comprising a bit connected with the string, deflectingmieans connected above the gbit operable to engage laterally against the wall oi' the well to deflect the bit, a removable surveying tool to be run through the string to project below the bit and operable to make a record o! the rotative position o! the surveying tool, and intermeshlng parts secured to the bit and surveying tool acting. to locate the surveying tool in a given rotative. position relative to the deilecting means whereby said record indicates the rotative position of the deflecting means in the well.

'7'. A directional well tool for use on a tubular well string comprising a bit on the lower end of the string, deflecting means secured to the string and positioned above the bit to engage laterally against the wall oi' the well to deflect the bit, the deilecting means contacting the wall of the well at only one side oi its longitudinal axis, a removable surveying tool to be run through the string to the bit and operable to make a record `ot the rotative position ot the surveying tool, and cooperable parts secured to the bit and surveying tool acting to locate the surveying tool in a given rotative position relative to the deilecting means ywhereby' said record indicates the rotative position of the denecting means in the well.

well string comprising a bit connected with the string, deflectingmeans connected above thev bit operable to engage laterally against the wall of the well to deect the bit, a removable surveying tool 'to be run through the string to the bit and operable to make a record of the rotative position of the surveying tool, a seat at the bit having a depression and a peak, and a part secured to the surveying instrument having a depression receiving said peak and having a peak received in the first named depression, the engagement of the` depressions and peaks of the seat and part locating the surveying tool in a known position relative to the delecting means whereby said record indicates the rotative position of the deflecting means.

9. A directional well tool for use on a tubular ,n

well string comprising a bit connected with the string, dciiecting means connected above the bit operable to engage laterallyagainst the wall of the well to deflect the bit, the deecting means being operable by vertical movement of the string with respect to the bit, a coupling between the bit and string allowing such vertical movement oi the string relative to the bit and-providing for angular movement of the bit relative o to the string, a removable surveying tool to bey run through the string to the bit and operable to make a record of the rotative position of the surveying tool, and cooperable parts secured to the bit and surveying tool acting to locate the surveying tool in a given rotative position rela.

With respect to the bit, a surveying tool tofbek run through the string to the. bit and operable o to make record `ofgits rotative position in the well, and meansremovably supporting the sur-v veying tool at the bit in a definite known rotative position relative to the deflecting means whereby Said record indicates the rotative position oi' the bit.

11. A directional well drilling tool for use on a tubular Well drilling string comprising a bit connected with the string, deflecting means rotatably supported on the string above they bit and operable upon relative vertical movement between the string and bit to engage the wall of the Woll and divert the bit, coupling means connecting the string and bit for such relative vertical movement and for relative angular movement, latch means holding the deecting means against turning in a given rotative position and releasablo upon vertical movement between the bit and string, a surveying tool to be run down through the string operable to make a record of its rotative position, and means removably supporting the surveying .tool in a given rotative position at the bit whereby said record indicates the rotative position of the deecting means in the well.

12. A directional well tool for use in conjunction with a tubular drilling string, comprising a bit, a stem on the bit, a slack universal connection between the stem and string, deflecting means rotatably supported on the string and operable upon relative vertical movement berotative position ..releasedy by Vsaid Vrelative vertical. movementya;l surveying ,13691 to beV run throughthe string tothe-bit and operable to make a record ,oi itsrotativeposition, and engaging parts securedto they surveying tool and bodyy operating to support ythe surveying tool in a known rotative-position relativeito the deiiecting means whereby the reordfindicates the rotative position of the defiecting means in the 13. A directional well drilling tool for use in conjunction with a tubular drilling string, comprising a bit, a stem on the bit, a` slack universal connection between the stem and string, deflecting means rotatably supported on the string and operable upon relative vertical movement between the string and bit to engage the wall of the well and deect the bit, releasable latch means holding the deecting means in a known rotative position released by said relative vertical movement, a surveying tool to be run through the string to the bit and operable to make a record of its rotative position, and intermeshing sloping parts secured to the surveying tool and body operating to support the surveying tool in a known rotative position relative to the deecting means whereby the record indicates the rotative position of the deflecting means in the well.

14. A directional Well tool for use on a tubular well string including a drilling bit connected with the string, deflecting means connected with the string above the bit and operable to engage laterally against a side wall of the well to deect the bit, the deflecting means including a shiftable wedge slip for engaging the wall of the well, a surveying tool adapted to be run through the string to the bit, and means at the bit for supporting the surveying tool in a known rotative position with respect to the defiecting means, the surveying tool being operable to record its rotative position and therefore the rotative position of the deecting means.

15. A directional well drilling tool for use on a tubular well drilling string comprising a bit connected with the string, deecting means above the bit secured in the string to 'engage laterally against the wall of the well to deiiect the bit, the deecting means contacting the wall of the well at only one side of its longitudinal axis, a removable surveying tool to be run down through the string to project beyond the bit and operable to make a record of the rotative position of the surveying tool, the surveying tool including a body, a recording unit in the body, and means keying the unit in a known rotative position in the body, and cooperable parts on the bit and surveying tool body operable to locate the surveying tool in a given rotative position relative to the defiecting means whereby said record indicates the rotative position of the deecting means in the well.

16. A well tool for use on a well string comprising the combination of two elements, one a drilling tool, the other a defiecting means, means connecting one element with the string for relative movement, means operable by such relative movement to operate the deflecting means against the wall of the well to deflect the bit, a tool adapted to be run down the string and said combination of elements, and means at said combination of elements for locating said tool to project downwardly beyond the drilling tool to record the rotative position of the deflecting means.

17. A well tool for use on a well string comprising the combination oi two elements, one a drilling tool, the other a deiiecting means for acting on the wall of the well to deflect the drilling tool, a rotatable connection between the said elements whereby the drilling tool may be rotated relative to the defiecting means, a surveying tool adapted to be run through the string and said elements, and means at the elements for stopping and locating the surveying tool to project downwardly beyond the drilling tool where it is operable to record the rotative position of the deecting means.

THOMAS C. STRENGTH. 

